Hepatitis

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viruses, medications, or toxic agents. Hepatitis is usually characterized as viral hepatitis or non-viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis can be considered “acute” (a condition that comes on rapidly with severe symptoms and a short course) or “chronic” (a condition that comes on slowly, may or may not have symptoms with has a long course).

Causes and Risk Factors of Hepatitis

Currently, there are at least five (5) forms of viral hepatitis:

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis G

There are two main types of non viral hepatitis called

alcoholic hepatitis

toxic/drug-induced hepatitis

Two less common types of non viral hepatitis called

autoimmune hepatitis

granulomatous hepatitis

Symptoms of Hepatitis

Hepatitis produces an initial “acute phase,” often with few if any symptoms. If there are symptoms, they tend to mimic “flu-like” symptoms such as:

mild fever

muscle or joint aches

nausea

vomiting

loss of appetite

slight abdominal pain

diarrhea

fatigue

The acute phase and its symptoms is rarely serious or fatal, although occasionally a so called fulminant or rapidly progressing form leads to death.

As the condition worsens, the person also may experience these additional symptoms:

jaundice (yellowed skin, mucous membranes and eye-whites)

dark urine

light colored stools that may contain pus

itching

enlarged spleen (symptom of alcoholic hepatitis only)

hives

headache (symptom of toxic/drug-induced hepatitis only)

dizziness (symptom of toxic/drug-induced hepatitis only)

drowsiness (symptom of toxic/drug-induced hepatitis only)

circulation problems (symptom of toxic/drug-induced hepatitis only)

The course of the hepatitis and the different outcomes after the acute phase that distinguish the various types.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis

The doctor will take a thorough medical history with emphasis on the patient’s medications, alcohol consumption, previous surgeries and sexual activity. He or she may palpate the area over the liver to check for tenderness or enlargement.

If the skin becomes jaundiced and the person is exhibiting other symptoms of hepatitis, the doctor will do various lab tests, such as blood tests and liver panel tests. Additional lab tests include the antibody tests (ELISA II, RIBA II) and the hepatitis C RNA test via PCR technology for diagnosis of hepatitis C only.

If needed, the doctor may also perform a liver biopsy where a small portion of the liver would be taken for further examination under a microscope.

Prevention of Hepatitis

To prevent hepatitis A, remember to:

Wash hands well after using any washroom.

Eat only freshly cooked foods.

Drink only commercially bottled water or boiled water in places where sanitation and the water supply are questionable and do not eat non-peel able raw fruits or vegetables unless cleaned thoroughly.

Get a hepatitis A vaccination before traveling to areas such as Mexico, eastern Europe and developing countries.